The Greens

Green leafy vegetables are the most important part of the healthy equation. They are super low in calories and extremely high in nutritional value. In fact, they are the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. Ever have a wheatgrass shot? It’s like injecting pure caffeine directly into the blood stream. Pure concentrated power.

And, it’s one of the best sources of Vitamin K (ick-ass), the vitamin that clots your blood and strengthens your bones.

Below you will find an ingredients list of all the greens we use in our recipes here on Healthy Green Drink. Remember, variety is the key to optimal health so mix and match, try new greens, and discover delicious flavor profiles along the way.

AlfalfaAlfalfa sprouts are the top source of anti-oxidants among all other vegetables — preventing heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and even cancer. Alfalfa sprouts inhibit inflammation, making it highly beneficial for people with arthritis. The naturally occurring amino-acid called L-canavanine, may be effective in fighting leukemia.

ArugulaAlso known as rocket, arugula is classified as a cruciferous vegetable along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables contain a group of compounds known as glucosinolates which have shown to have remarkable cancer fighting abilities. Like other greens, arugula is rich in many essential vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants.

BasilBasil is an herb rich in flavonoids which is extremely effective in preventing cell damage from both radiation and oxygen. The volatile oils, estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene inhibit bacterial growth. The essential oils from basil can combat some pathogenic bacterium that have become resistant to antibiotics.

BroccoliBroccoli is very rich in fiber — half is insoluble and half is soluble. Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family, collectively known as cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables, which naturally contain two important phytochemicals — indoles and isothiocyanates — are linked to lower rates of cancer.

CilantroWonderful anti-inflammatory capacities that may help symptoms of arthritis. Protective agents against bacterial infection from Salmonella in food products and is also a powerful natural cleansing agent. Cilantro can help remove heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. May help stimulate the secretion of insulin and lower blood sugar.

Collard GreensAnother green that is part of the Brassica family along with broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts. Collard greens contain organosulfur compounds called phytonutrients which are cancer fighting powerhouses. An excellent source of vitamins B6 and C, carotenes, chlorophyll, and manganese.

KalePart of the Brassica family, a group that also includes cabbage, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. Kale has seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein. Also contains powerful phytochemicals called sulforaphane and indoles which helps the body release more detoxification enzymes, quickly clearing potentially carcinogenic substances.

Lettuce(s)Romaine > red leaf > green leaf > iceberg. All lettuce is a good source of chlorophyll and vitamin K, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, folic acid, manganese, chromium and iron. It is very low in calories and can be stuffed in to your mouth without shame.

MintWonderful for relieving symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. Mint relaxes the muscles in the intestines giving it the ability to sooth the digestive tract and reduce the severity and length of stomach aches.

Mustard GreensMustard greens are loaded with 9 vitamins, 7 minerals, dietary fiber and protein. Part of the Brassica family along with broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts, they contain phytonutrients known as glucosinolates which reduce the potential of carcinogens through their ability to modulate liver detoxification enzymes.

ParsleyA relative to celery, parsley has two unique health properties: Volatile oils which includes myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. These inhibit tumor formation and help neutralize particular types of carcinogens (like the benzopyrenes which are part of cigarette smoke). Flavonoids which includes apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin. These function as antioxidants and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells.

SpinachPopeye ate it. Enough said? Okay, fine. Spinach is a huge source of Vitamins C, A, K, you name it. The flavonoids in spinach help protect against age related memory loss and the lutein in the little green leaf makes it one of the best foods in the world to prevent age related macular degeneration.

Swiss ChardOne of the “super greens” along with kale, mustard greens and collard greens. Loaded with vitamins and minerals. Chard fiber and extracts have been shown to significantly reduce colon cancer. Excellent source of vitamin A on account of its concentrated beta-carotene content which are important vision nutrients.

WatercressPart of the cabbage family. Has similar cancer fighting properties as kale, helps to normalize cholesterol and blood pressure, increases sexual energy and enhances fertility and has great blood cleansing properties. Excellent source of vitamins B6, C, manganese, and carotenes.

WheatgrassPure energy. Two ounces of fresh juice equals three pounds of organic vegetables in vitamins and minerals. Wheatgrass contains about 30 enzymes and is approximately 70% chlorophyll which helps build red blood cells. Great for detoxification: it is high in saponin and therefore offers excellent support to the lymphatic system, helping to carry away hundreds and thousands of toxins from the cells. Restores alkalinity to the blood.